Aha, someone mentioned the disaster committing Lightnings to defend the Fleet at Sea. I was never able to determine which complete idiot of an Air Marshall, presumably at a Purple Cocktail Party, was suckered in by the Dark Blue to make such a totally stupid comittment.
The result, fuel capacity challenged aircraft operating miles out over the oggin, outside of TACAN range usually, totally reliant on AAR support and trying to find a bunch of boats that were nowhere near the position they originally intended. Then, to add to the fun and games, all intercepts were controlled by RN Controllers, usually against Buccs travelling rapidly and low down. Tricky enough by day, with the fuel gauges unwinding rapidly at 500 kts plus, but at night! Fast targets well below the Lightning authorised minimum intercept operating height at night (1500ft) - no Rad Alts in those days - trying to operate the Radar whilst holding a significant push force on the control column at high speed, trim already fully nose down. More than just a few people arrived home with fumes only and a few early grey hairs.
The flying was demanding and one learnt very quickly to protect recovery options during that time. But frustration with Senior Management that denied any problems and castigated anyone who tried to say otherwise was never far away.
The one highlight for me, invited to make an approach to Ark Royal, the angled deck version. Sensibly resisted the urge to fly a bolter, and then was much amused to observe a Victor Tanker also having a go.
lm